Tuesday, April 12, 2011

Introducing: LOSING WEIGHT WITH THE LAWRENCES

If you've been around for awhile you know that I keep complaining about my weight. Complaining, that is, with no results.

After the way I feel, after realizing I weigh the MOST I've ever weighed, after realizing my clothes don't fit like they used to...at all, and after seeing myself in pictures, I'm just COMPLETELY FED UP.
I'm ready to STOP making excuses and to get my butt in gear.

You see, this isn't my first rodeo. Growing up I was pretty much always heavy. I DID lose SOME weight in eighth grade/freshman year, but after I stopped playing volleyball my sophomore year it was all down hill from there.
In high school I gained a TON of weight and was really unhappy with how I looked.
Looking back at pictures, I'm sad that I even let myself get that way. One picture I hate, that I have access to is this one:


My face is just so puffy, and I'm not who I see in the mirror. That's one of the worst things about being overweight, sometimes you think you look SO good, and then you see a picture and become really upset.

Anyways, back to the story. During my Senior year, something hit me and I decided to join Weight Watchers with my Aunt Lisa. (Who by the way is SUPER amazing and not only lost almost 100 pounds doing Weight Watchers, but has KEPT IT OFF) It was my saving grace and I lost over 50 lbs doing the program.
I felt WONDERFUL and kept dreaming of losing even more weight.
I feel stupid NOW that I wasn't always happy with how I looked, when today I would LOVE to be that weight.
Here is one of my most favorite pictures from my "skinny days."


Oh how I wish I looked like this again.
But alas, that is not the case. I got married to the LOVE of my life. We kept going on fun dates and eating out. I stopped watching what I was eating. And eventually I stepped on the scale and saw a SCARY number. Not only do I see a SCARY number, but I get really upset when I try to look cute for my husband and nothing fits. I also get super upset when I DO get all dressed up and feel super cute and confident, and then see a picture of myself. For example:


This was for one of my best friend's birthday parties. I went and bought an outfit and felt SUPER cute before I left the house. I had my hair and make up done and just felt so confident. That is..until I saw this picture. I wouldn't even send it to Steph to post because I felt so disgusted about it. This, along with many other things pushed me to the edge and it HIT ME that I need a change.

 I stopped eating fast food a month or so ago...which is good, but with what seems like no results. I also have been doing Jazzercise for a month or so and it KICKS my butt, but again..with no results on the scale. I've joined Weight Watchers on and off since being married (because I know it works) but just can't keep motivated. I know I'm obviously not doing enough...

Which BRINGS ME to the reason why I am making this post.
I am going to be sharing with EVERYONE my weight loss journey.
Because, I know I'm not the only one who gained a TON of weight after being married.
Because, I know there are others out there who just need some accountability to help them reach their weight loss goals.
Because, if I have faith and stay motivated, I WILL look like my "skinny" picture again.
Also, I DREAM of having babies some day soon, but just can't imagine adding MORE weight to my unhealthy weight. So, for not only myself, but for my husband, AND my future family, I am going to GET HEALTHY NOW.

You may be wondering: Well how will this all work?
While I AM working out the kinks still because this is all new to me, I will give you the low down right now.
Each week I will WEIGH IN. While I will never expose how much I actually WEIGH (until the end when I'm at my goal weight) I will give updates on how much I have LOST and how much I WANT TO LOSE.
I will have two goal weight numbers: the first weight will be the weight I want to be before I start trying to have babies, and the second will be my DREAM weight in which I hope to stay at for my entire life so I can be healthy not only for myself, but for my family.
Each Monday I will post pictures of my progress to keep me motivated, and to be able to look back on my journey in hopes to never return to my "bad weight" again.
Also, if it helps others, I can start doing a "link up party" in which others can share their weight loss journey as well.

So, HERE IT GOES:

DAY ONE:
Today I weighed in and need to lose:

73.2 POUNDS to reach my "baby making weight."

and

103.2 POUNDS to reach my lifetime goal weight.

Here are some pictures of how I look TODAY and of hopefully how I will never look again:



(Just a side note, this picture DID remind me of a prego picture someone would take to track their baby's growth...but this however, is not the case, haha).
Please excuse my workout clothes and bad make-up/hair. I HAD to take pictures today or I would have put this off even more. So I'm glad I had the courage to put these up.

Speaking of working out, today I started my journey out right by not only GOING to Jazzercise, but WALKING there. Not only did I walk there, but I walked there with a 10 pound weight vest on. I almost regretted my decision half way there, but am now super proud of myself and hope to someday RUN to Jazzercise and maybe even take the class with a weight vest on.
I found out on Google Maps that my walk was over 2.5 miles long total and I am glad that I chose to walk instead of driving. I hope the weather stays nice for a bit longer so I can continue to walk for the next month or so. :]
I am super proud of my decision and proud that I gave up not one but THREE offers for rides home. I stuck with my plan and walked there AND back, all with my weight vest on.
Hopefully I can do the same tomorrow!

The only thing that MAY hold me back is this bad boy:


Yes ma'm. That IS a horrible blister. Not only is it a blister, but it's a blister inside of what ALREADY was a blister. The other day I had a surprise walk around campus because of my Geography Lab which created a blister. Then last night I got annoyed and clipped the old blister away, not thinking about the consequences.
I now have learned that old blisters can be removed, but NEW BLISTERS may form. Blisters that hurt even worse. Needless to say, I'm hoping this goes away SOON, and I will NOT mess with it...I hope.

I hope that I have the strength to keep up with this no matter what road blocks may get in the way and that I give others motivation in the process.

So...here's to my weight loss goal and everyone else's quest to be healthy as well! I hope we all find success on the road to healthier lifestyles.

GOOD NIGHT!

Monday, April 11, 2011

TOP 2 TUESDAY


Go HERE to link up to the fun.

This week's topic is TOP TWO FAVORITE DRINKS:

So besides water...Aquafina to be exact...



I definitely can be seen with DIET SODA. 
I LOVE Diet Coke and OF COURSE Coke Zero.



 Also, lately I am REALLY LOVING Diet Dr. Pepper. 



I just love the fact that it tastes so good yet has zero calories.

My second drink of choice is definitely Lemonade. If it's Strawberry Lemonade...you definitely can count me in!


If you've ever been to Sweet Tomatoes, you HAVE to have their Strawberry Lemonade. It's to die for.

I can't wait to link up next week. 
HAVE A GREAT WEEK EVERYONE!


Thursday, April 7, 2011

What I'm LOVING Wednesday

Thanks to my girl Brittney I am linking up for the first time.
You should too! :]


Lately I am loving EVEN more that I am a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. My testimony is growing each day and I am growing closer and closer to my Father in Heaven.

I am loving that I have gone through the temple and that I am sealed to my husband for time and all eternity. I am grateful for the great faith my husband has and that our relationship is strengthened through our relationship with our Heavenly Father.



I am loving our puppies and their cute relationship. We swear they love each other.


I am loving that one of the moms of my Primary kids mentioned that her daughters love our primary class and love me as a teacher. It really made me feel great that they look for me in Sacrament meeting and are worried if they can't see me.

I am loving Jazzercise and my quest (while it is a struggle) to be more healthy.

I am loving that I am getting my hair done on Friday.

I am loving that I get to go on some FUN vacations in the near future with my husband.

I am loving my life.

<3

Wednesday, April 6, 2011

Courage

I am NOT a courageous person...

I normally just want everyone to be happy so I go along with things and hope everything turns out for the best. I try not to stick my nose in other people's business and I just keep on keeping on.

However, lately I am a new woman
I have found myself standing up for what I believe in.
While I am shocked at my choices, I am super proud of myself and hope that I can continue this courageous streak.

I am proud that I showed courage to do something I would NEVER imagine myself doing, which is participating in a flash mob with my Jazzercise workout group.



I'm in the blue behind the cowboy, haha, and while this might not seem like much, it was big for me. I am glad I can say I participated in a flash mob.

I am proud that I also stood up for what I believe in on two different occasions, which meant a lot to me and strengthened my faith. One of the occasions didn't work out as I had hoped, but I put all of my emotions on the table, explained how I felt to someone as a friend, and just had to hope for the best. While I am still not 100% sure of the outcome, I do know that Heavenly Father is proud of me and that I made the right choice, whether the person chose to or not. My second act of courage (in my opinion of course) was really hard because it involved family. I knew what I needed to do, and even with people telling me I was wrong, I knew that I was making the right decision and followed through. Because of this, I hope to have set a good example to those around me and I hope they realize that I made the right decision.

"Let us have the courage to defy the consensus, the courage to stand for principle. Courage, not compromise, brings the smile of God’s approval."
-Thomas S. Monson

I am so grateful that I am able to keep my covenants with my Heavenly Father and that I was able to go through the temple. The temple is a holy place, a place of love and beauty and I am so grateful that I have been blessed with being able to attend the temple. I am truly blessed and thank my Heavenly Father every day. I'm so grateful for the courage I have gained recently and hope that I can continue to express my feelings no matter how hard it may be.

Tuesday, April 5, 2011

TOP 2 TUESDAY


Top Two Songs on My IPOD:

This is my first time linking up, but you should too. Go HERE to do so! :]

I have to admit that I haven't listened to my IPOD in FOREVER. This may be due to the fact that I didn't even know where my IPOD was until a few days ago when I found it in my hubby's truck. So, I'll just find two of my favorite songs on good old Youtube:

1. Then by Brad Paisley
This is my wedding song with the love of my life and will always be a favorite! <3

It took me awhile to think of a second song, because I can't say I have another favorite, so I'm just going to post a couple more songs I LOVE (not in any order):

If I Die Young by The Band Perry

Giddy Up by NSYNC
This isn't necessarily my favorite NSYNC song, but I DO love them! I went to three of their concerts when I was younger and find myself wishing they put on a reunion tour. We also worked out to this song in Jazzercise today so that brought back my love for this song!

Country Grammar by Nelly
Again, this isn't my favorite song but it does bring back memories. I pretty much love ALL genres of music and especially love being reminded of my youth and my family. My brother always played this song when we were younger and it's just crazy to think how much we've grown since then. AND it's crazy to think I listened to this song when I was little. I had NO idea what they were saying or referencing, thank goodness.

I hope you enjoyed some of my flashbacks and that you got your groove on with a few of these songs. :]

Monday, April 4, 2011

Heavenly Father Answers Prayers

Heavenly Father loves us, is there for us all, and definitely answers our prayers each and every day. If you take the time to listen, no matter how big or small the question or request, Heavenly Father will answer your prayers and I can personally attest to that fact.

A couple of weeks ago I taught my primary students about prayer. It was a great lesson, the kind of lesson that not only teaches the students, but allows for me to learn more as well. I was reminded of the proper way to pray and that each prayer should be a special conversation with my Heavenly Father. Prayers should not always be the same words and should not include "vain repetitions." If we can take the time to pray, we can take the time to truly express our feelings to our Father in Heaven and let him know what we are thankful for and what we need, not only for ourselves but for others as well. Because of this lesson, I was reminded that my prayers needed a slight adjustment and that I needed to strengthen my relationship with my Heavenly Father, and what better way than through prayer?

"We are all children of God. He loves us and knows our needs, and He wants us to communicate with Him through prayer. We should pray to Him and no one else. The Lord Jesus Christ commanded, “Ye must always pray unto the Father in my name” (3 Nephi 18:19). As we make a habit of approaching God in prayer, we will come to know Him and draw ever nearer to Him. Our desires will become more like His. We will be able to secure for ourselves and for others blessings that He is ready to give if we will but ask in faith."

I appreciate my opportunity to be a primary teacher and to learn more each and every week. I'm grateful for my testimony and for my chance to talk to my Heavenly Father whenever I'm in need. I'm grateful for my husband who has a very strong testimony and who taught me to never be ashamed to pray no matter where we are. I'm grateful for answered prayers both big and small and that the spirit is with me always. I'm grateful for the missionaries and all they do to share the gospel with those in need, including our neighbor Sally. I'm grateful for my savior, Jesus Christ and for all he has done for me. I'm grateful for the atonement and for my chance to be forgiven of my sins. I'm grateful that I was able to go through the temple with my husband and that we are sealed for time and all eternity. I'm grateful that I am a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints and that I have learned so much about faith in the last couple of years.

Also, although this might be a silly story, I wanted to share it so I can look back and remember it in the future. I want to remember that Heavenly Father is always there for me and that he always answers my prayers, if I take the time to listen, so here it goes:

Today while going to CVS Pharmacy to pick up my EXPENSIVE prescription, I thought about how we could really use some paper towels. I decided that we didn't NEED them and that we could really save the $10.00 or so because we've had some unexpected expenses come up this month and I'd just rather use a towel, haha. So needless to say, I decided that I'd just go in for my prescription and that's it. I went in, got my prescription and paid, and I noticed that the receipt was EXTRA long tonight. The pharmacist explained that there was some coupons at the bottom of my receipt and went on to tell me to have a good night. Before I left the store I decided to look at what the coupons were for and...to my pleasant surprise I had 3 coupons. One for $3.00 off of an 8 pack of paper towels, $1.00 off an 8 pack of paper towels, and $2.50 in Extra Care bucks. I happily went and grabbed the paper towels, took them up to the cashier, and purchased them for less than HALF the original cost. I know this may seem like a mere coincidence, but I know that because of the power of prayer and because I keep my covenants with my Heavenly Father, he helps me when I'm in need. While these just may be some paper towels, they really will help us and the discounted price definitely helps a Newlywed Couple. My prayers were answered tonight, and are answered often and I love the feeling of knowing Heavenly Father is there for me.

I hope each and everyone of you are able to see your blessings, both big and small in your life. Don't forget to thank your Heavenly Father each day for all that he has given you. With Heavenly Father, all things are possible. I was able to meet the love of my life in 2008, and marry him in 2010 because Heavenly Father has a plan for me.


I thank Heavenly Father each day for all of my blessings, including my biggest blessing of all, being with Andrew forever. :]